LECOM vs. KCUMB

[koala37]

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Hi everyone,

so i got rejected from DMU and I feel like now its so late in the cycle and the competition has gotten so fierce that I probably wont be getting any more acceptances with my mcat scores. Anyways I have been fortunate to receive two acceptances from two schools: LECOM & KCUMB. I liked the area of LECOM. Its a very suburban place and it feels safe. However, I feel like KCUMB is more established and has a better curriculum, but its in a dangerous area. I know med school is a time to get out of ur comfort zone but I dont want to be so worried about the area that it interferes with my studying. Is the area around KCUMB really that bad? I am from Chicago, but I have never been to Hyde park or south side Chicago cuz I live in a nice chicagoland suburb lol. Does location trump curriculum? Current LECOM students, do you think LECOM prepares their students well for allopathic residencies? I saw the residency match list for KCUMB and its pretty impressive. How bout the quality of rotations between both schools? I feel like that since KCUMB is near the city there are more opportunities to do rotations in big hospitals. Any advice in helping me make my decision is greatly appreciated. thanks in advance!

 

[Jnorman1218]

KCUMB is in a seedy part of town, but I don't see that as a reason to not attend if you like everything else. If you don't feel comfortable in that part of town, there are lots of nice places within 5 miles. You go about a half mile west and you have million dollar lofts and condos (not suggesting that's where you should live). Also, the security on campus is extensive so you don't really have to worry about it when you're at school. As long as your not planning on taking midnight strolls down 24th street, you'll be fine.

 

[RIdoc11]

KCUMB.... but i'm biased 🙂

 

[alexjeisenberg]

Which LECOM? I was accepted at both LECOM Bradenton and KCUMB. As you can see from my signature I choose KCUMB. PBL was not for me. Good luck with your decision!

 

[koala37]

Which LECOM? I was accepted at both LECOM Bradenton and KCUMB. As you can see from my signature I choose KCUMB. PBL was not for me. Good luck with your decision![/QUOTE

I was accepted into lecom erie for LDP

 

[FrkyBgStok]

KCUMB. Good school, and I don't think I would like pbl and KCUMB's genesis curriculum looks baller.

 

[koala37]

I guess I am so paranoid about the area is cuz when I was at kcumb for my interview, everyone was like don't walk alone in the surrounding area even during the daytime.

 

[RIdoc11]

I guess I am so paranoid about the area is cuz when I was at kcumb for my interview, everyone was like don't walk alone in the surrounding area even during the daytime.

If you look at the crime log from KCUMB for the last couple of years for both on and off-campus incidents it really doesn't raise any red flags... These days walking alone in any major city can cause paranoia. Every city has its bad parts and KCUMB just so happens to be in an area that to most is "not so nice."

 

[RIdoc11]

and here is that security report I was referring to...

http://www.kcumb.edu/annualsecurityreport.pdf

It is for 2008-2010

 

[Jnorman1218]

And really the area the school is in is more known for gang violence than for muggings or assualts.

 

[koala37]

And really the area the school is in is more known for gang violence than for muggings or assualts.

Uhhhh isn't that even worse cuz its even more unpredictable? Ughhhh this is such a hard decision or maybe I am making the area in my mind worse than it really is n overanalyzing it

 

[drgioiadds]

I got rejected from KCUMB, but I'd say KCUMB. It was my second choice after MSU. I didn't find the area that scary. Its run down, but the security was good. You have to be smart about things. I went to school in Milwaukee and we rotated in 2 rough areas of the city. No one will bother with you if you have any street smarts.

 

[Bird Lady]

Its run down, but the security was good. You have to be smart about things. I went to school in Milwaukee and we rotated in 2 rough areas of the city. No one will bother with you if you have any street smarts.

Agreed. As a student living in Detroit for the past few years, I can tell you that street smarts are super important. As long as you are aware of your surroundings and paying attention to those around you and not making yourself out to be a victim, you will be fine 🙂 Our campus police send out monthly notices about the crimes, and most of the time the people who get into trouble are roaming the streets by themselves at 3am with their laptops, iphones, etc... So again, as long as you don't give someone the opportunity to target you, you'll be good.

(I work as a tour guide for the university and I cannot tell you how many times I have to assure the parents that their children will be alright 🙂

 

[Jnorman1218]

Uhhhh isn't that even worse cuz its even more unpredictable? Ughhhh this is such a hard decision or maybe I am making the area in my mind worse than it really is n overanalyzing it

No. It means that if you are not involved in gang activity, your chances of being involved in a crime are much less. That part of town is in the news alot (although it usually is not in the immediate area of KCUMB) for gang activity, meaning inter-gang violence. It is very rare that you hear of an "innocent bystander" being involved.

I agree with the OPs. DO NOT base your decision off of KCUMB being in a "bad area". It's not like there are shootings every night and people being raped on every street corner.

 

[koala37]

No. It means that if you are not involved in gang activity, your chances of being involved in a crime are much less. That part of town is in the news alot (although it usually is not in the immediate area of KCUMB) for gang activity, meaning inter-gang violence. It is very rare that you hear of an "innocent bystander" being involved.

I agree with the OPs. DO NOT base your decision off of KCUMB being in a "bad area". It's not like there are shootings every night and people being raped on every street corner.

Ohhhh lol. I thought gang people target bystanders. That's how I interpreted gang violence. Especially the massive security measures taken around campus made me suspicious. In chicago there a lot of drive by shootings due to gangs so I thought it was the same.

 

[RIdoc11]

Ohhhh lol. I thought gang people target bystanders. That's how I interpreted gang violence. Especially the massive security measures taken around campus made me suspicious. In chicago there a lot of drive by shootings due to gangs so I thought it was the same.

Yea i heard they especially target the huge gang that wears white coats... big turf war

 

[Flemon]

Yea i heard they especially target the huge gang that wears white coats... big turf war

Hahaha

 

[bz1024]

So I called LECOM-B today and they said they reviewed my file today and an email will be sent if an interview is granted and a letter is forwarded otherwise. my status just changed to "The Admissions Committee has made a decision on your application. You will receive an official letter in the mail within 30 days." Does that mean I am denied for an interview? Anyone else had similar experience? I am really scared and frustrated and need to know! Thanks!

 

[drgioiadds]

It means you were rejected.

 

[bz1024]

It means you were rejected.

thanks man...... really. I was freaking out before I saw this and now i am freaking out and upset...

 

[drgioiadds]

It happened to me from lecom -e last year.

 

[doingit9]

Ohhhh lol. I thought gang people target bystanders. That's how I interpreted gang violence. Especially the massive security measures taken around campus made me suspicious. In chicago there a lot of drive by shootings due to gangs so I thought it was the same.

Go to KCUMB. Just don't act like a dumb*ss and you will be fine. I think the diversity would definitely benefit you..

 

[Just Joshin]

Alright folks, I know everyone is trying to talk the OP into KCUMB, but everyone has different comfort levels. For me when I was interviewing KCUMB was my second choice and if I hadn't gotten into my top choice I would have chosen KCUMB.

BUT.......

The crime around the area around campus isn't exactly non-existent.

A friend of mine is a 3rd year there and has never had trouble. But I know that last year two students were held up at gun point on campus in broad daylight. They also had a pipe bomb right outside from the student parking lot a few months ago and everyone was on lock-down for a few hours.

Now the thing is, that's what you'll find in most big cities. If you've never lived in a big city, it might be good for you to go to KCUMB but if you're going to be paranoid the whole time, you should probably go where you're more comfortable.

Remember, violent crime can happen anywhere. At KCUMB, you do have a lot of security. Even more now after the incident last year I've heard. When my friend was a 1st and 2nd year she never went to her car at night without a security escort. She said that during the day, there were always other students around walking back and forth from the parking lot so she felt safe.

Whatever you decide to do make sure you're comfortable with the decision and your not just giving in to what others tell you you should do. Both KCUMB and LECOM are solid schools. You'll be good with either. My bias is for KCUMB, but thats just my bias like I said.

Good luck whatever you do

 

[RIdoc11]

Alright folks, I know everyone is trying to talk the OP into KCUMB, but everyone has different comfort levels. For me when I was interviewing KCUMB was my second choice and if I hadn't gotten into my top choice I would have chosen KCUMB.

BUT.......

The crime around the area around campus isn't exactly non-existent.

A friend of mine is a 3rd year there and has never had trouble. But I know that last year two students were held up at gun point on campus in broad daylight. They also had a pipe bomb right outside from the student parking lot a few months ago and everyone was on lock-down for a few hours.

Now the thing is, that's what you'll find in most big cities. If you've never lived in a big city, it might be good for you to go to KCUMB but if you're going to be paranoid the whole time, you should probably go where you're more comfortable.

Remember, violent crime can happen anywhere. At KCUMB, you do have a lot of security. Even more now after the incident last year I've heard. When my friend was a 1st and 2nd year she never went to her car at night without a security escort. She said that during the day, there were always other students around walking back and forth from the parking lot so she felt safe.

Whatever you decide to do make sure you're comfortable with the decision and your not just giving in to what others tell you you should do. Both KCUMB and LECOM are solid schools. You'll be good with either. My bias is for KCUMB, but thats just my bias like I said.

Good luck whatever you do

Lol... yea, that is really going to put the OP at peace

 

[EagerToBeMD]

I don't think Just Joshin was trying to put the poster at ease, just trying to be honest with him.

 

[koala37]

Lol thanks for ur responses guys. I am leaning towards kcumb. Even tho I am a bit uneasy bout the area, I think I need to experience life outside the suburbs and in the urban area. I can always call security whenever. That's what they r there for. My cousin has been at gunpoint three times in life and he wasn't even in a shady area. So that can happen anywhere. Just gotta take a leap of faith n go for it even if it means calling security every night lol. Better to b safe than sorry